AN HISTORIC Ribble Valley inn is in the process of being completely refurbished at a cost of £70,000.

Work has started on the exterior of The Parkers Arms in Newton-in-Bowland which will be repainted and restored before the work moves inside later this year.

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The pub, which was recently named as a finalist in the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2015, is expected to be forced to close for a short time later this year while work to enlarge and also refit the kitchen is carried out.

The Hodder View dining room will also be incorporated in the main section of the pub and it is hoped that the refurbishment project will be completed by the end of the year.

The pub is in a former coach house and used to be owned by the Parker family of Brownsholme Hall in the Trough of Bowland.

Stosie Madi, the chef patron and co-owner, said: “It’s a really exciting time and we are hoping that the new-look pub will continue to grow our brand and showcase the finest that Lancashire has to offer.

“We have had a great track record of awards over the last few years and we think that this is the right time to be carrying out this work.

“We want to really show off what this area is best at and by making the pub look as good as it possibly can do will help us do that.

“It’s going to take some time to get it all done and the work is being fitted around our opening times because the last thing that we want to do is disrupt them.

“It’s important to get this right.

“I hope that this project gives the pub a whole new and fresh look.”

Nigel Evans, who was chairman of the all-party parliamentary beer group while he was the MP for the Ribble Valley, said that he was delighted that the work was being carried out at the pub.

Mr Evans, who is the Conservative candidate for the borough in the up-coming general election, said: “It’s great news that they are investing so much money and it will only enhance its reputation.

“Its food is legendary throughout the Ribble Valley. I will look forward to visiting when the work has been completed to celebrate with them.”

David Hinder, the Labour Party candidate for the May 7 ballot, said: “It’s a venue that I have visited a few times and it’s great for the local and borough-wide economy.

“It also serves as a focal point for the community.”